Lion Throne
Among the royal appurtenances
(possessions belonging to royalty) which are on display, the throne
occupies a position of great importance. There are 8 kinds of thrones
for different occasions signified by different motifs.
These are the :
- Thihathana Palin
- Bamayarthana Palin
- Gazathan Palin
- Mayuyathana Palin
- Migathana Palin
- Thinkharthana Palin
- Hanthathana Palin
- Padumathana Palin
Of the 9 thrones that were used by successive Myanmar kings, 8 were destroyed by fire during the Second World War. There were once two Lion. A throne was exactly of the same size and kind as the one now on display. One was placed in the Myenan Pyathat or the Royal Audience Hall which is the tallest of the palace halls measuring 207 feet in height. Both the king and queen would sit on this throne to receive in audience, princes, ministers and tributary chiefs who came to pay homage three times a year, once in the New Year, a second time at the beginning of the Buddhist Lent or Retreat and for the third time at the end of Lent.
The other Lion Throne is in the Privy Council Chamber where the king presided and gave his decisions on important matters of State. The Lion Throne now on view which took two years to build, is over 150 years old. It was built during the region of King Mindon of the Konbaung Dynasty. The gilded throne is built of a smooth-grained wood called Yamanay (Gmelina arboreal). The throne with doors on the back panel for entry and exit can be easily assembled or detached as necessary. The height of the throne is 34 feet 6 3/5 inches and weighs approximately 3 tons. The throne is ornamented with motifs of Cakka, king of the heavenly abode, higher level ‘Nat’ or spirits, a peacock and a rabbit. The peacock symbolizes the Sun and the rabbits, a peacocks and a rabbit. The peacock symbolizes the Sun and the rabbit the Moon. It is believed that Myanmar kings are descendants of the Sun and the Moon. Then on either side of the door posts are two images each of the Four Guardian Spirtis (Satu Maharit Nat Min i.e – Nat Devas or higher – level – spirits who are sentinels of the four cardinal points). All these beings are believed to protect of the king from evil forces. You will also see placed in front of the throne at ground level, small cute golden boys said that the represent all children. The meaning attached to these child figures is that the power and glory of the king will grow just as children grow physically and spiritually day by day. Further eight white umbrellas which are symbols of kingship are placed, four each on either side of the throne. These white umbrellas are therefore obligatory in any Throne Room. In addition seven victory flags with depictions of Ogre, Monkey, Naga or Mythical Dragon, Lion, Elephant and Peacock, and eight upright fans are placed on both the left-hand and right – hand side of the throne.
In a slightly lower position on the left and right foreground of the throne is an image each of the Lokanat or Prince of Peace accompanied by images of a winged elephant and winged lion. There is a fascinating legend attached to the Lokanat. It is said that the favorite food of both the winged elephant and winged lion was the delicate tendrils of cloud in the sky. One day a fierce battle broke out between the two over who should have the most delicious morsel. The Lokanat who saw the battle raging began to sing and dance gracefully in rhythm with the tinkle of his timing bells. On seeing the Lokanat dance, the elephant and the lion were soothed by the sight of such grace and beauty and the melody of his music so they soon forgot their anger and made peace. Based on this legend the Lokanat is regarded as the Prince of Peace and it is believed that his presence always ensures peace and prosperity.